Cryptocurrency boost: Bitcoin takes on gold for Diwali, helped by Bollywood stars

India’s top two cryptocurrency platforms have each tapped stars — one, Amitabh Bachchan, may be the most famous Indian actor of all time — to promote cryptocurrencies as a superior and easy investment ahead of Dhanteras, the auspicious first day of the holiday, when buyers traditionally splurge on gold. Indians have expanded their Diwali investments to include stocks, real estate, diamonds and other assets.

Cryptocurrency exchanges like Bangalore-based CoinSwitch Kuber and CoinDCX are touting Bitcoin as another option. In an advertisement for CoinSwitch, Ranveer Singh, star of some of the country’s biggest blockbusters, delivers a rap in Hindi about just how simple crypto trading can be.